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New Rider, need advice on getting a bike to ride from west coast to east coast

I thought I had posted my opinion/advice in this thread.
Having re-scanned it following Stormy's announcement of acquisition of a vstrom, I see I didn't.
At this point, there's not much to say that can add to the conversation.

But I would like to point out one thing that hasn't been said:

I can't think of a worse place to practice riding than in today's Bay Area traffic!

I think a beginner (who really wants to take across country ride) would be far better off practicing the skills of riding a motorcycle in a place like Kansas or Colorado, on some empty two-lane highway, than on the Bay Area freeways, city streets, or places like highway nine, redwood road etc.
With all the (BARF consensus acknowledged) crazy drivers trying to run them off the road, texting while driving, drunk, crossing the centerline on hairpin turns....

Just a thought...
 
I just did 5000 miles through the Andes two-up on a 125cc, so I don't really see why sitting on beautiful American highways for 5-10 days is going to be that big of a deal on any even remotely modern bike.

Highways are easy and safe as long as you don't let yourself get too tired (boring though). I just went cross country last year on a $2500 triumph tiger with my girlfriend, good trip and even if you break down it is pretty easy to get sorted out anywhere, Fedex can overnight parts and you have cell phone internet to help with trouble shooting.
 
In 3 weeks, totally doable. I would ride to Boston and RIDE back. Then keep the bike. I'd get an R1. Put a tall screen and some riser bars. Stop and take in the sights. FUN!
 
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